Protest held in Handwara’s Zachaldara market over civic issues

Kupwara, Apr 6: A peaceful protest was registered by traders in the main market Zachaldara area of Handwara on Monday, over long-pending civic issues affecting daily life and business activity in the area.

The protesters highlighted key problems, including the absence of a proper sanitary complex, a poor drainage system, and inadequate infrastructure in the market. “These issues have persisted for years, causing inconvenience to both shopkeepers and visitors. We have been repeatedly bringing these problems to the notice of the authorities, but nothing concrete has been done until now. The lack of basic facilities is affecting our business as well as public hygiene,” said a protestor. “During rains, the entire market gets flooded due to poor drainage. Customers avoid coming here and we suffer losses. We need a permanent solution not temporary measures,” said another protestor. Local residents also raised their voice against lack of basic amenities, saying the situation becomes particularly difficult for women and elderly people due to the absence of a sanitary complex. “This is a basic necessity. It is unfortunate that such a busy market still lacks proper public facilities,” said a local resident. Following the protest, Tehsildar Zachaldara, the Block Development Officer (BDO) Rajwar, and the Duty Officer from Police Post Zachaldara reached the site and interacted with the protesters. The officials assured the traders that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority.